OBE for Harrow doctor
We spend the majority of our lives in the workplace but rarely think about its impact on our health,” says Dr Shriti Pattani, who has been awarded an OBE for her work on the subject.
Dr Pattani was included in the New Year’s Honours List for her contribution to occupational health (OH) and is recognised as a leading authority by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The honour almost passed her by when she belatedly opened a letter from the Cabinet Office, asking for confirmation that she was happy to receive the award the same day.
“It was a total surprise but I managed to keep it a secret until Xmas Day when my children were unwrapping their presents. I told the family I had some news and they all looked slightly concerned.
“My son burst into tears he was so happy and I have had so many well-wishers contacting me since it’s been quite humbling.”
Shriti first became interested in OH as a trainee GP, when she accompanied a fellow doctor on his once-weekly visit to a Weetabix factory where he assessed and treated staff.
“I realised the impact of work on our health wasn’t part of a general medical assessment, which caught my interest. The common problem among the Weetabix workers was back and neck pain caused by the repetitive movement.
“It is interesting work because I have input into how to change both working practice and environment as well as assessing and supporting employees and employers.
Shriti’s opinions are sought after, with WHO inviting her to speak at several global events and a trip to Africa planned this year.
She juggles her international commitment with being the trust’s clinical lead for occupational health as well as the national lead on health and wellbeing for NHS England.
Her latest venture, which featured recently on BBC News, is helping people experiencing long-term sickness back into work.
The new care pathway sees people referred by their GPs to OH clinicians like Dr Pattani, who devised the pathway after her own experience as a GP when she had the tools but not the time to help patients.
“It isn’t rocket science but you need time to get to the crux of the problem and find practical solutions that work for both the individual and their employer.”
The pilot is hoping to attract government support and is already establishing itself in primary care and with musculoskeletal hubs in secondary care.